RALEIGH -- Hurricane season is just around the corner - it starts June 1
and lasts until Nov. 30 - and that's why Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin is reminding North Carolinians to
get a head start on disaster preparedness before a storm strikes.

"We want people to have the insurance coverage they need to weather any storm that
comes to North Carolina," said Commissioner Goodwin. "I also encourage North Carolinians to be on the lookout for
unscrupulous businesses that take advantage of folks when they need help and are most vulnerable. I've heard from
criminal investigators on my staff that storm-related scams are on the rise in North Carolina."

Department investigators have seen an increase in companies who are conning consumers
into repair work for damage that isn't really there. According to investigators here's how it works:

After a storm, roofing companies learn from news reports which areas may have storm,
hail or wind damage. They go to those neighborhoods and travel door-to-door telling homeowners their roof is damaged
and needs repairing or in some cases to be replaced. According to investigators, often there is no roof damage and
sometimes the damage is even intentionally caused. This can be prosecuted as insurance fraud. At a minimum, unsuspecting
homeowners end up paying a deductible for a new roof they did not need.

An estimated 10 cents of every dollar paid in premiums goes toward the payment of
fraudulent claims. To report suspected fraud, contact the Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at
919-807-6840.

To avoid being the victim of a scam, Commissioner Goodwin and the Department of Insurance
suggest that North Carolinians follow these tips:

If you suffer property loss in your home or vehicle, contact your agent or insurance company
as soon as possible to arrange a visit from an adjuster. The Department of Insurance will be in
close contact with top insurance companies doing business in the state. We will have up-to-date
consumer hotline numbers available for those who need to contact their companies.

Before doing any repairs to your house, photograph and make a list of the damage.

Protect your home from further damage by making temporary repairs only, until your insurance
company can advise you further. Save any receipts for materials purchased for repairs.

Do not have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and
you have reached an agreement on the cost of repairs.

If necessary, rent temporary shelter. If your home is uninhabitable due to physical damage (not
lack of power or water), most homeowners policies pay additional living expenses while your property
is being repaired. Before renting temporary shelter, check with your insurance company or agent to
determine what expenses will be reimbursed.

Always remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Deal only with licensed agents and companies.

The Department also urges citizens to remember these tips in preparing for hurricane
season:

Homeowners should review their insurance policies with their agents annually. Ask, "What exactly does
my policy cover, and what needs are not met?" Consider that homeowners policies do not cover flood damage,
and some policies in coastal areas may not cover windstorm damage. Don't wait until the storm is approaching
to upgrade your coverage.

Flood insurance can be obtained by qualifying property owners by contacting your local agent or through
the National Flood Insurance program. Call 800-638-6620 for more information.

Residents living in rental property should consider purchasing renter's insurance to cover losses of
personal property within the rental unit. Your landlord's policy will not cover your personal possessions
in the event of a loss.

Consider the type of coverage you purchase - actual cash value or replacement value. Replacement value
will pay to replace your home at current building costs and with similar materials. This is usually a higher
value and can cost a bit more, but this extra coverage can be important if your home is destroyed in a storm.

Make a list of your belongings and take pictures or videotape them. Include a close-up shot of the day's
newspaper to provide the date. Keep your inventory list along with purchase receipts, pictures and your
insurance policy in a safe-deposit box or other safe place away from your home. If you are forced to evacuate,
take a copy of your policy with you.

If you have any questions or problems concerning your insurance coverage, contact the
Department of Insurance's Consumer Services Division toll-free (in-state) at 800-546-5664.